Press Release – Plastic Oceans at Our Ocean Conference

Meet the producer Jo Ruxton and our patron Dr Sylvia Earle at the Film Festival, 6th October 2017

London. 2 October 2017.

British Producer of award winning film, ‘A Plastic Ocean’, Jo Ruxton, and the UK based Plastic Ocean team are announcing an important new work in response to the growing crisis of marine pollution.

Our Ocean Conference, 5th – 6th October has invited world leaders such as HRH Prince Charles and Prince Albert of Monaco to commit to transforming the world’s oceans. It is hosted by the European Union and held in Malta.

Jo will also be on hand to explain our legacy. An evidence hub called ‘The Science behind the film’ aims at sharing science and mentoring programmes with both industry and the public. The goal is to reinforce the messages globally and awareness that will lead to generate positive solutions for the next generation. For us, it’s all about the legacy.

Commenting today on growing concern around our shores, Jo says “We have become a plastic generation. Plastic is indestructible. It was never designed for single use. Yet, everyone can make changes in their behaviour to turn the tide on this crisis in our oceans and the life they support.”

So – what’s our legacy?

Plastic Oceans Foundation UK charity is working with teachers to develop educational materials for schools worldwide. This knowledge comes from four years filming in 22 locations around the globe filming the sequences that present a global overview of the crisis. With this unique up close and personal experience of the problems facing our oceans, the Foundation is working on science and education programmes for individuals and businesses alike.

“Without the ocean, life on Earth would not exist – including us.” Dr Sylvia Earle

PART ONE: The Science Behind the Film. The evidence hub is our most important asset yet. For two years, we’ve worked closely with Brunel University London* to curate scientific discoveries in one place. For example, it has been proved that chemical ingredients used in 50% of plastics are described as ‘hazardous chemicals’. This means they can potentially cause harm to humans, animal and the environment.

As Dr Sylvia puts it, “This is ‘our watch’ on the planet. Everything we do now will influence generations to come”

PART TWO: Plastic Oceans Education programme. Plastic Oceans UK is developing a global education programme – starting with curriculum-focused lesson plans that will fit into existing education systems, so students as young as age five get a head start. Topics are inserted into their lessons as they progress through early school years. Workshops cover the impact of plastic pollution from bags to microfibres, introducing innovative solutions.

“We have to act now clear up and repair some of appalling damage we have done to the oceans’ says Sir David Attenborough.”

What can you do?

We recognise the fact that the media are a critical partner in spreading our messages to reach audience on every shore. We hope you will all become part of the solution.

Interview Jo Ruxton, Dr Sylvia Earle in Malta or rest of the team in UK, featuring our new website, www.plasticoceans.uk

About Plastic Oceans

Our film ‘A Plastic Ocean’ has been screened in over 400 locations across the planet, from Monaco to the Australian Parliament. Netflix, ITunes and Amazon distribute to even bigger audiences of millions. Our social media and press outreach engages with new audience every second of the day. Our ambassadors and patrons include Dr Sylvia Earle, freediving champion Tanya Streeter and songwriter Julian Lennon.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Professor Susan Jobling (featured in the film) and Dr Christopher Green are co authors of the document, Science behind the Film, to translate the science into actions for consumers, manufacturers, retailers and policy. We are working influence public attitudes and behaviour, and to influence collective actions that lead to policy change.

*Brunel University London is the European leader in eco toxicology and human toxicology

**Plastic Oceans UK Foundation has created an education and mentoring programme which can be adapted into any organisation. A ‘plastic curriculum’ tackles the issues of protecting the oceans.

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Author David Jones

Environmentalist, speaker, writer, diver, underwater photographer, film maker, consultant, oh and part time website builder. I have seen first hand the damage our convenience living is causing to the environment and our very existence. I don't think its not too late, but we need to wise up pretty quickly.